Milwaukee Alderman Jóse G. Pérez's Office Failed To Issue Requested Official Recognition Citation For 1st Bilingual Teacher Luis Rodolfo López At South Division High School

The Aldermanic 12th District has yet to officially issue a recognition citation for the late Luis Rodolfo López, the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and the Milwaukee Public Schools.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 21, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Jóse Trejo, the Principal at South Division High School (SDHS) confirmed to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), that SDHS has not received an official recognition citation from Alderman Jóse G. Pérez's Office from the 12th Aldermanic District to recognized the late Luis Rodolfo López, the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and Milwaukee Public Schools. In April 2026, Maribel Sánchez-Murrillo, the administrative assistant to Ald. Pérez was contacted in order to request a recognition citation for López, the former Bilingual Teacher for his major contributions as an inspiring teacher for many bilingual students at SDHS during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The named Aldermanic citation was requested for June 13, 2026 to be presented at SDHS during the memorial, celebration  of life and recognition for López, but it was never officially issued, delivered or presented that day. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/06/tribute-to-late-luis-rodolfo-lopez-1st.html)

A week or so before, Sánchez-Murillo and Alderman Pérez were contacted and they confirmed that they would issue the citation for the López memorial gathering at SDHS of family, former Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) administrators, teachers and MPS Bilingual Program personnel, friends and community members including former students that López had taught.

When contacted again after the López memorial gathering, Sánchez-Murillo indicated that Elisa Hernández had worked on the López citation, but as of Tuesday, July 21st, no López citation has been officially released to SDHS or the López family by Ald. Pérez. SDHS is located in Ald. Pérez, 12th Aldermanic District.

An email was sent to Ald. Pérez, Sánchez-Murillo and Hernández by HNNUSA per request by Sánchez-Murillo, and HNNUSA also sent a copy of the email to the Milwaukee Common Council regarding the requested López citation, which apparently never materialized, unfortunately, none of the members of the Milwaukee Common Council including Ald. Pérez, the President of the Milwaukee Common Council have responded.

Editor's note: Alderman Jóse G. Pérez and the Milwaukee Common Council were quick to erase the legacy of the late César E. Chávez, the former leader of the United Farm Workers Union by renaming S. César E. Chávez Drive back to S. 16th Street after mere allegations without any actual proof spread by the New York Times in late March 2026, that Chávez had allegedly molested young girls. The Chávez allegations came after 30 years of his death.

And in López case, months have passed and no recognition citation yet, which López as the 1st Bilingual Teacher was very instrumental in the success of the Milwaukee Public Schools Bilingual Program when it was initiated in the late 1960s, and continues to be a success today.

MATC President Anthony Cruz Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Employed At The Technical College, But In Less Than 2 Years, He Double The Deficit

Dr. Cruz posted in his social media (LinkedIn) that he is celebrating his 2nd Anniversary working at the Milwaukee Area Technical College and is continuing his tradition to visit newly enrolled MATC students at the technical college.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 15, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Cruz, President of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) announced in his social media (LinkedIn) that he is celebrating his 2nd Anniversary working at MATC and is continuing to visit newly enrolled MATC students at their homes. How ironic, he hasn't visited any of the MATC instructors or workers at MATC in the last 2 years to get feedback about the internal hostile work environment, retaliation,  harassment and etc...they have endured under his leadership, nor has he and the MATC Board of Trustees have done nothing worth mentioning to resolve those ongoing issues in the last 2 years that have led to low working moral by instructors at the technical college.

Dr. Cruz earns $285,000 in salary per year plus perks, $15,000 for travel allowance and $55,000 retirement annuity. Many instructors at MATC and communities of color in the Milwaukee area would say, Cruz hasn't earned his salary and is getting paid for failing to resolve internal employee/administration hostile work environment issues and MATC is facing more than $2.5M in deficit for 2027.

Dr. Cruz can celebrate his 2nd Anniversary of milking a hefty salary from MATC, but actually has no real accomplishments to show and to be celebrated other than getting paid for his failures at the technical college. Unless, we missed something that Dr. Cruz has prevailed to accomplish worth his pay. Getting rid of the Office of Multicultural Student Services and replacing it with the failing Office of Community Impact at MATC was one of his biggest blunders in August 2025, according to members of the communities of color (Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, African-American and Native-American) it effected.

To date, Dr. Cruz has failed to meet with any of the communities of color to explain his decision to phase out the Office Multicultural Student Services, and he hasn't forged any credible community partnerships in order for MATC to succeed in its intended mission, indicating that he seems to continue to ignore the taxpayer communities of color who actually pay his salary.

The question remains, can MATC afford the luxury to keep Dr. Cruz as President of the technical college another year when facing double the deficit at the technical college while Cruz can't neutralize most of the internal employee/administration issues and etc.?

In the last 2 years under Dr. Cruz leadership:

• MATC deficit under Milwaukee Area Technical College President Dr. Anthony Cruz more than doubled from previous predecessor (former MATC President Vickie J. Martin) in 2023 with $1.1M to today under Dr. Cruz at $2.8M in 2026 to an expected deficit of $2.5M in fiscal year 2027.

• Student enrollment at MATC has declined, in several years in 2009-2010 to 2010-2011, MATC had nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent student (FTE) enrollment, compared to date in 2026, 9,200 FTE enrollment.

• A 2% student tuition increase for certificate degree and a 3% increase for an associate degree in 2027 has been approved 

• MATC has a current $80.7M outstanding debt through June 30, 2026

• MATC will operate in 2027 with mostly part-time instructors, according to the budget hearing.

• MATC will also target 108 employees, especially full-time instructors for early retirement or no contract renewal in order to offset the pending deficit for FY 2027

• Elimination of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, and unjustly terminating 4 student services specialists affecting Latino/Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American and Native-American students including communities without their imput, in order to comply with Trump's illegal and unconstitutional executive order eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) race related programs, which multiple federal courts have ruled it was unconstitutional.

• MATC facing multiple employees discrimination complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division.

• MATC administration under Dr. Cruz has proliferated its hostile work environment including the practice of harassment, discrimination and retaliation against employees and instructors that file complaints or just complain.

• MATC cutting employee wages, but are being forced to work more without wage compensation.

• MATC has an all White male administration who are paid excessive wages, for example, Dr. Cruz gets $285,000 in salary per year with extras perks, eventhough, he has more than doubled the MATC deficit, since 2024.

• MATC President Cruz has ignored the communities of color demands to restore the Office of Multicultural Student Services, and has also failed to provide any particular reason why he continues to ignore the communities of color requests who actually pay his salary.

• MATC Human Resources led by Laquitha “Elle” Bonds-Jones, the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer under Dr. Cruz cut part-time employees hourly wages without their knowledge and also reduced their sick leave pay. Part-time employees had to be compensated back pay wages and earned sick leave fully pay restored. Also, Bonds-Jones was eventually caught altering MATC policies without the knowledge of the MATC Board of Trustees or the MATC Local 212 union. Dr. Cruz has declined to terminate Bonds-Jones for her alleged misdeeds at the technical college.

• Student enrollment stats intentionally inflated, despite student enrollment decline between 2025 to 2026, according to discovery made by MATC Board of Trustees who learned that misinformation was being provided to them at the April 28, 2026 Board meeting. Presentation by Phillip King, the Executive Vice-President and Provost showed an enrollment decline from 2025 to 2026, but enrollment stats were inaccurately inflated, which multiple MATC Board members criticized Phillip for providing inaccurate student enrollment stats. (MATC Board meeting video time at 2:20:00 minute to 2:50:00 minutes stamp)

• MATC Board of Trustees meeting for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the first 42 minutes of the meeting were public comments by 11 instructors, students and the MATC Local 212 union regarding their concerns and issues they are facing at MATC under Dr. Cruz's administration, at link: https://www.youtube.com/live/--C91QsctXM

• In less than 2 years at MATC, Dr. Cruz has continuously shown lack of leadership including his lack of ability to resolve major plaguing issues at the technical college, which so far, the inept Board of Trustees have failed to take any action to hold Dr. Cruz accountable.

MATC District Board Meeting: Faculty Raise Serious Concerns — AFT Local 212 https://share.google/ZW1kqIaJGjDePQuIx

Protests at MATC (October 28, 2025): https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JbKnLLzAh/

Full HNNUSA article: ESL Program On The Chopping Block, Instructors Say MATC Going Backwards Under President Dr. Anthony Cruz, Also Technical College Facing $2.5M Deficit For Fiscal Year 2027 (April 28, 2026) https://tinyurl.com/zy8jz5k5

HNNUSA full article at link: Insight MATC: Lack Of Leadership And Efficiency By President Dr. Anthony Cruz, Technical College Facing Layoffs, Job Eliminations, And Possible Administrative Non-contract Renewals To Offset $2.5M Deficit In 2027 (May 21, 2026) https://tinyurl.com/4snzv3pa

Public Hearing Presentation Of Proposed MATC FY 2027 (June 16, 2026) Budget https://www.youtube.com/live/e7LHiCaU42U

Board of Directors | MATC https://share.google/09PKINhK0Cxy4c9ob

USICE Agent David Michael Brouillette Allegedly Shot Johan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, From Colombia In The Face Multiple Times During Immigration Enforcement Operations In Biddeford, Maine

USICE agent Brouillette, an Army veteran, former employee for the U.S. Department of Veterans, worked in law enforcement and as a public safety  officer, former firefighter and former Realty agent of Maine in Bangor allegedly shot Guerrero to death. Brouillette was also identified by the tattoo on his left arm.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 15, 2026

Biddeford, Maine - On July 15, the ICE list dot org  allegedly identified David Michael Brouillette, 37, as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) agent who fatally shot Johan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, from Colombia on July 13th in Biddeford, Maine. USICE agent Brouillette who was not wearing a mask attempted to stop Guerrero in Biddeford, but Guerrero tried to flee from them. Guerrero had his 3-year-old daughter and wife in the vehicle with him. (https://theicelist.org/index.php/David_Brouillette)

According to video, at no time did Guerrero attempted to weaponize his vehicle against the MAGA Gestapo criminal USICE agents as the USDHS had claimed. In the videos, Guerrero is seen driving slowly away from the agents who followed on the side of his vehicle. (Noricias Telemundo video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D3VpS1FDu/

When an USICE unmarked vehicle struck Guerrero's vehicle to stop it, Guerrero had been shot through the front windshield by Brouillette and suffered fatal head injuries and died on the wheel. His body was dragged out of the vehicle by agent Brouillette and another unidentified agent, and Guerrero's hands were handcuffed by Brouillette, eventhough, he was already dead. Brouillette was the agent that allegedly fatally shot Guerrero in the head multiple times. (Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D5QihJ5ag/)

A witness in the immediate area heard Guerrero's last words, "I tried to stop."

The USDHS playbook response was that Guerrero had weaponized his vehicle against agents and he was a target for deportation removal, but available video shows that the agents were not in front of the vehicle at anytime. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired his weapon “fearing for public safety” as the victim “attempted to flee the scene,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement nearly 12 hours after the incident, CNN reported.

The MAGA USDHS has a history of lying in order to protect their alleged criminal agents.

USDHS says, the agents weren't wearing body cameras, but video footage of agents at the scene showed that they were wearing body cameras. (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LvQuvS8f8/)

It was later discovered, that Guerrero was not the intended target by agents, according to U.S. Senator Angus King's office. Guerrero had a work authorization and Social Security to work.

On Monday, hundreds of protesters flooded MAGA U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) chanting vote her out, after Guerrero was murdered by Agent Donahue in cold blood. (Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18vY9btE2U/)

A week ago, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was also murdered by MAGA Gestapo masked criminal USICE agents in Houston, Texas. The USICE agents haven't been identified. USDHS doesn't comply with transparency and doesn't release the agent names involved in civilian homicides. (Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DNGy5uWZd/)

Most of the MAGA USICE agents were allegedly recruited and hired from far right-wing extremist groups and supremacists militias including the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo. (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DPwXy13jE/)

More than 52 immigrants have died in USICE custody since 2025, and in 2026, 11 immigrants including U.S. Citizens have been murdered by criminal USICE agents.

In wake of the recent murders of Guerrero and Araujo by USICE agents during traffic stops and growing protests, the USDHS has sent out an order to USICE agents nationally to immediately stop most of the field traffic stops during immigration enforcement operations, until further notice. https://share.google/6XUEswalLtXc8yTGN)

A 28-year-old Florida man fleeing USICE and HSI agents was killed by a tractor trailer, according to news reports on Tuesday. (Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19HhfUyyeE/)

A national day of protest to "Stop the Terror" has been called for July 18, 2026 and protest organizers nationally are seeking justice for Guerrero and Araujo including all the murdered victims by USICE agents.

66-year-old Efren Manzanet Jr. Founder Of B. Boy Trends Custom Clothing In Milwaukee Passed Away

Manzanet Jr. was instrumental in shaping the hip-hop culture in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 14, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Efren Manzanet Jr., 66, the founder of the iconic B. Boy Trend custom clothing in Milwaukee has passed away, according  to his family. Manzanet Jr. was also instrumental in shaping the Milwaukee hip-hop culture and founded the Magic Rockers, the popular B-Boy break dancing group in the 1980s.

Manzanet Jr. passed away in Miami, Florida and his funeral services will be held in Milwaukee, according to sources.

Manzanet Jr. know as "The Godfather" came to Milwaukee from the Bronx in 1974 and brought break dancing to the local barrio scene. (Article link: Don’t Call it Breakdancing: The Origin Story of Breaking In Milwaukee https://share.google/H7IZsL7mWG2HSwcLU)

According  to the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation, Manzanet Jr. was diagnosed June 2025 with NonHodgkins TCell Lymphoma Blood Bone Cancer. A fundraiser was created to reach out to the community to help him with medical costs as he went through chemotherapy and treatment. (Link: https://bonemarrow.org/patient_story/efren-manzanet/)

46-year-old Travis Rafael Doss Charged For The Hit-and-run Death Of Troy Lewek, 47, In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Doss was charged for the hit-and-run death on Troy Lewek in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 13, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, July 13th, Travis Rafael Doss, 46, was criminally charged with one felony count of hit-and-run causing death for the death of Troy Lewek, 47, on July 7th at the 2200 block of W. National Ave. in Milwaukee. A $75,000 cash bail was set for Doss, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

Around 10:30 p.m., in July 7th, Lewek was crossing the street when Doss struck him and then fled without stopping, then a second vehicle also struck Lewek in the street. 

He was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to police.

According to the criminal complaint, Doss struck Lewek and fled the scene, but returned shortly to the scene. He stopped briefly, but didn't get out of the vehicle and left the scene again. Doss's vehicle was identified by outdoor surveillance camera video, which was able to get his license plate.

Multiple Abrupt Resignations In The Democratic Party Of Milwaukee County Executive Board Creates Leadership Vacuum Before The WI Governor's Primary Election 2026

4 Executive Board Dems abruptly resigned from the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County over failed recommended endorsement for local candidate challenging three term incumbent in the 8th Assembly District during the Primary election 2026.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 11, 2026

Breaking in Milwaukee Wisconsin: Brett Timmerman, Marissa Nowling, Patricia Ortiz-Cantu and Brady  Coulthard abruptly resigned from the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County Executive Board after backlask for debacle recommended endorsement of local Southside candidate Ismael Luna challenging incumbent Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) in the 8th Assembly District in Wisconsin.

Apparently, Wisconsin State Assembly Minority Leader Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) pushed Milwaukee County Democratic Executive Board to recommend an endorsement for Luna before the Primary election 2026, in an attempt to oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez from office. Neubauer was the individual that contacted the Wisconsin Capitol Police and complained that Rep. Ortiz-Velez had made threats to shoot fellow Dems, which Capitol Police after investigating found that Rep. Ortiz-Velez comments were metapors and had committed no criminal wrongdoing.

Neubauer allegedly wasn't to happy that Rep. Ortiz-Velez worked in a bipartisan effort with Republicans to help pass state bills that benefited Rep. Ortiz-Velez's constituents in the 8th Assembly District and State. Neubauer also is known for prohibiting fellow Dems in the State Assembly from casting votes in bipartisan bills, which Rep. Ortiz-Velez exercised her right to vote and then Ortiz-Velez exposed Neubauer's actions in the State Assembly floor when questioned by Republicans about Dems being told not to vote with Republicans and to leave the Assembly floor. (Video link: https://youtu.be/RAFbtv0ZXkA)

Rep. Ortiz-Velez has been a Democrat for more than 20 years and in the last 20 years no Democrat County Executive Board ever attempted to recommend an endorsement for a candidate challenging an incumbent Democrat in Wisconsin during a Primary election.

Many Democrats are now contemplating that Rep. Neubauer in an alleged failed act to oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez in the Primary Election 2026 has abruptly caused chaos, division and a political crisis within the Milwaukee County Democrats that could effect the Wisconsin governor's race (election). Milwaukee County Democrats usually determine who gets elected into office in Statewide elections, Federal Senators and Presidential elections.

On July 9, 2026, the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County was forced to sent out an email to its members retracting the recommended endorsement for Luna after the Democratic Party of Wisconsin wouldn't accept (approve) the recommended endorsement for Luna.

Brett Timmerman, the Chairman and 3 others on the executive board of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County faced an overwhelming backlash from State Party members and local Milwaukee County Democrats who actually support Rep. Ortiz-Velez for her accomplishments in the State Assembly for the last 3 terms (2 year terms). Rep. Ortiz-Velez was first elected to the State Assembly in 2000.

HNNUSA article: https://tinyurl.com/5xdkxvx9

Rep. Ortiz-Velez's ongoing defiance against Rep. Neubauer and the former Milwaukee County Democrat executive board members that resigned, is very clear in her political social media ad. In a political ad posted on July 11, 2026 in social media (Facebook), Rep. Ortiz-Velez says that she is dedicated to making a difference and serving the 8th District, not the Madison elite or party bosses... (Facebook video: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HPcMKrvvN/)

47-year-old Troy Lewek Sr. Killed In Hit-and-run In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Lewek Sr. was struck in a hit-and-run by two vehicles at the 2200 block of W. National Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 9, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, around 10:30 p.m., Milwaukee police responded to a hit-and-run that claimed the life of Troy Lewek Sr., 47, at the 2200 block of W. National Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Outdoor video surveillance cameras captured the hit-and-run where Lewek Sr. was struck twice by passing vehicles who did not stop or returned to the scene.  Police say that Lewek Sr. was crossing the street towards his home when he was fatally struck.

Police are searching for two drivers that struck Lewek who was pronounced deceased at the scene.